Hey everyone! Here is some information that Jessica Pine was gracious enough to share with us about what you can do to better market yourself and stand out to land that first job. We can talk about these tips at the next meeting and share other ideas with each other. Examples of Jessica's documents will be on the server in the AIGA folder. Check it out!
From Jessica:
1. Brand yourself.
I cannot stress how important it is about branding yourself and created a unified identity. I know they make you do it at your senior show.. but make a logo - as simple as possible - that you LOVE. put this on everything--- resume, card, site, book, what have you. Make everything consistent - even if it means making everything the same size, rounded corners, colors, whatever. But keep it clean and simple, and LEGIBLE. This lets people know you understand consistency
2. Get a web site.
People like to see things at their convenience, quickly. If you do not know how to build a scratch site for your portfolio.. figure it out. Know html.. Graphic designers that know web design experience are in high demand. Don't let it scare you, there are tons of helpful books out there for it.
Also if you absolutely do not want to go that route there are TONS of free (and flash related) portfolio web sites out there that can be very flexible.
3. Create a folder for the owner/employer.
Get a nice cover folder for CHEAP at office max.
Make a unified set -
resume,
cover letter,
CD of your portfolio PDF,
business card,
recommendation cards (are a huge plus) and
small SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK.
Give this to them either during or after the interview for them to keep.
Also print all your things on nice paper.
it is best to hand these out by hand but to save time it is nice to mail them in an envelope and call back in 5 days or so to see if they have received it.
4. At the interview:
Eye contact is important.
Small talk is important. It makes everybody feel comfortable.
Don't just let them slide through your book. Explain the problems in each project - and your solution would be your design. Make them feel like they are hiring you for a good reason- to make their company better. To offer them your wonderful skills.
MAKE A SPECIAL THANK YOU CARD. attach it on a magnet or something hand crafted as a plus.
I attached an example of my thank you card.
If you forget to hand it to them in person like I did EMAIL IT shortly after the interview.
5. If they give you a special project assignment during the interview process:
I was asked to do a logo for a kidney research company. Don't do "just a logo" .. go all the way. Make a PDF presentation. Define the problems, research, sketches, ideas... Conclude with solutions. This will make you stand out and it will let people know that you take things seriously.
6. When looking for a job - you should e-mail: your portfolio PDF, website, resume, and possibly a cover letter, and your logo. Mention "I feel that I would benefit your company with my skills..."
7. Don't limit yourself to design firms. Think about publication - magazine - newspaper places to start out too.
8. It stands out to someone if you are very quick on replying to a phone call or e-mail. Mention that you are flexible (if you really are) Also make an Image signature of your business card or information on your e-mail . google it it's easy to do.
I attached a PDF of all of my branding - to give an idea about simplicity and consistency
I hope this helps! Good luck this semester!
